Grapes for the De Trafford Elevation 393 2015 were harvested from a vineyard site high up (393 metres) on the eastern slopes of the Helderberg mountain. Soil deep red decomposed granite - Hutton type. The vines are close planted (5,000 to 7,500 vines/ha.) with narrow rows. The best barrels were selected for this reserve wine: 46% Cabernet Sauvignon from 21 year old vines; 27% Syrah from 20 year old vines; and 27% Merlot from 12 year old vines. Grapes were hand-picked into 20kg lugboxes followed by 100% destemming and gentle crushing directly into open top fermenters. Spontaneous natural yeast fermentation at a maximum temperature of 30°C. Time on skins 12 - 15 days, with cap of skins punched-down (pigeage) 1 – 4 times a day. Wine drained directly to barrels together with single pressing from traditional basket press. Mostly new French oak used. Blending done after 9 months. Time in barrel 20 months, which included several rackings to gradually clarify the wine and assist maturation. Bottled by hand, unfined and unfiltered, on the property on 9 November 2016. Bottled at 14.5%. (Bottle size 750ml)

Nose: Rich intense spicy fruitcake nose with a mix of black and red berries. Some fine tobacco, toast and cedar from the fine French oak.

Palate: Intense, concentrated palate with thick, broad tannins, though still fine.

Finish: Long finish and loads of potential.

#REDWINE #REDBLEND